Hands-free breast milk expression system

ABSTRACT

A disclosed breast milk expression system supports a pair of breast milk collection devices at the breasts of a nursing mother, allowing her to express breast milk while keeping her hands free. No special bra or other garment is required to provide support. The system includes a substantially rigid bar, a strap, and a pair of breast milk collection device connectors at or near opposite ends of the bar. The strap is comprised of a length of slender, flexible support material, significantly longer than the bar. The strap extends from a point at or near one end of the bar to a point at or near another end of the bar and can suspend from a nursing mother&#39;s neck, thereby suspending a pair of breast milk collection devices near the nursing mother&#39;s breasts to express milk from them. Numerous variations and methods are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/143,326 filed May 9, 2002 and entitled “Hands-Free Breast MilkExpression System,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nursing mothers who express their breast milk for later use often findthemselves inconvenienced by the need to support a breast milkcollection device with their hands while it operates. (As used herein,the term “breast milk collection device” refers to any apparatussuitable for collecting expressed breast milk, e.g., an assembly thatincludes a suction cup, receiving tube, Venturi channel, and milkbottle.) Attempting to “double pump” typically requires both hands, onefor a collection device at each breast, which leaves a nursing motherwith little way to accomplish any other tasks or even read during thelengthy process.

Various “hands free” breast pumping arrangements have been developed,but they are far from being ideal solutions to the problem. For example,the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,996 to Fields requires theuser to wear a special bra that serves as a support harness for thecollection devices. For a manufacturer of breast pumping devices toprovide such a specially designed undergarment raises challenges,especially since women wear bras of many different styles and sizes.Typically, women purchase bras in a retail store environment where theycan ensure a correct fit and select the style that appeals to them,often with the assistance of trained sales personnel. They may not beeager to purchase such a personal item of clothing from an equipmentmanufacturer, especially without having the opportunity to try it onbeforehand.

Accordingly, nursing mothers still need a convenient, effective,hands-free way to support one or two breast milk collection deviceswhile expressing milk, without resorting to any garment or undergarmentother than what they would ordinarily wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A breast milk expression system according to various aspects of thepresent invention conveniently and effectively supports a pair of breastmilk collection devices at the breasts of a nursing mother, allowing herto express breast milk while keeping her hands free for other tasks.Advantageously, no special bra or other garment is required to providesupport for the collection devices. The system includes a bar, a strap,and a pair of breast milk collection device connectors. The bar iscomprised of a length of substantially rigid material, embodied in oneor several distinct structures fabricated from such material, whichconnects two points on the material. Each connector secures to the barnear a respective one of these points.

The strap is comprised of a length of slender, flexible supportmaterial. The length of strap material is significantly greater than thelength of the bar material. The strap is secured to the bar, with apoint at or near each end of the strap connected to a point at or neareach end of the bar. This arrangement permits the holder to form a loopfrom one end of the bar to the other. Advantageously, the strap cansuspend from a nursing mother's neck, thereby suspending the breast milkcollection devices near the nursing mother's breasts to express milkfrom them.

According to a more particular aspect of the invention, the pair ofconnectors can include a pair of releasable retaining structures. Eachof these structures can releasably secure a breast milk collectiondevice to the bar. In a particularly advantageous configuration, thestructures each include a J-shaped hook comprised of a length ofslender, substantially rigid material. The hook has an arc that isapproximately or exactly semicircular and first and second straightportions that are parallel to each other and at opposite ends of thearc. Each structure further includes a cap, of size comparable to anaverage human thumb width, that has in one of its sides a recess ofsuitable size to receive an end part of the first straight portion.Further included in each of the structures is a compression spring sizedto fit over the first straight portion.

The first straight portion of the hook passes through a first hole inthe bar, through the spring, and into the recess of the cap. The secondstraight portion of the hook is shorter than the first and passesthrough a second hole in the bar. In this configuration, simple thumbpressure on the cap can release the hook's shorter second straightportion from the bar's second hole, freeing the longer first straightportion to swivel in the bar's first hole. Thus, an intuitive andstraightforward release mechanism is provided.

The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects ofthe present invention. Indeed, the inventor contemplates that theinvention includes all systems and methods that can be practiced fromall suitable combinations of the various aspects summarized above, aswell as those disclosed in the detailed description below andparticularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Suchcombinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in theabove summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are described below withreference to the drawings, wherein like designations denote likeelements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of breast milk collection devicessuspended, in accordance with various aspects of the invention, near anursing mother's breasts by a bar and a neck-worn strap.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the breast milk collection devices andbar of FIG. 1 supported by a person's index finger, illustrating thelight weight and balance that an embodiment of the invention canachieve.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve portion of the bar of FIGS. 1-2and a connector that couples one of the breast milk collection devicesof FIG. 1 to the bar.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the bar of FIGS. 1-2 illustrating acentral rod and two sleeve portions that receive the rod.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the bar and strap of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view of the bar and strap of FIG. 1, illustrating how thestrap is significantly longer than the bar to permit the strap to fitaround a wearer's neck.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A breast milk expression system according to various aspects of thepresent invention provides numerous benefits, notably the facilitationof hands-free “double pumping” without the need for any special bra orother garment. An advantageous combination of a substantially rigid barand a flexible strap support a pair of breast milk collection devicesnear a nursing mother's breasts to express milk from the breasts. As maybe better understood with reference to FIG. 1, for example, one suchsystem 100 includes: a strap 130 comprised of strap material thatsuspends from the neck (not shown) of a wearer 110 (a nursing mother); abar 120 connected to strap 130; and a pair of breast milk collectiondevices 140, 170 that suspend from bar 120 via connectors 150, 180,respectively. Devices 140, 170 circulate air with an external pumpingdevice (not shown) via hoses 147, 177 to develop suction conventionallyby the Venturi effect, as discussed below.

Suspension of collection devices 140, 170 from the neck of wearer 110contributes to the effectiveness of breast milk expression as well asmaking the process a more convenient one. In exemplary system 100, strap130 suspends from a single support point and imparts forces at twoseparated points along bar 120. These forces have upward components andpartially opposing horizontal components. Rigidity of bar 120neutralizes the opposing vectors of the horizontal components, and theremaining horizontal vectors direct force toward the chest of wearer110. This force, along with suction from the milk expression process,helps keep breast milk collection devices 140, 170 firmly in contactwith breasts of wearer 110. Neutralization of perpendicular forces bybar 120 helps prevent devices 140, 170 from being dislodged, e.g., bytwisting moment of hoses 147, 177 during pumping action.

In a variation of strap 130 having more distributed support, e.g., abra-type cross-strap about the shoulders that perhaps does not eventouch the neck, the opposing vectors of the horizontal components may bediminished. But vectors of substantially similar magnitude pointingtoward the chest of wearer 110 can be expected to remain, providing theadvantageous contact-maintaining force described above.

Two important dimensions of exemplary system 100 are adjustable toadvantageously suspend collection devices 140, 170 near the breasts ofwearer 110 regardless of her body dimensions. First, wearer 110 canadjust the length of strap 130 to raise or lower devices 140, 170.Second, she can accommodate her chest width by adjusting the length ofbar 120 between two points on the bar, near which collection devices140, 170 are attached. The flexible positioning offered by theseadjustments allows system 100 to accommodate a significant majority ofnursing mother's bodies in a given population of interest, a populationthat may be more specifically defined for marketing to a particularregion or more generally defined for worldwide marketing.

A strap according to various aspects of the invention includes anylength of slender, flexible support material suitable for suspending amodest load around a person's neck. For example, the support materialcan have a cross section that is thin and flat (e.g., a camera strap) orround (e.g., a braided soft-core cord). As illustrated in FIG. 1, strap130 is flat, having a central portion of its length of support materialthat is comprised of a wide, padded strap 132 and two end portions 134,136 comprised of narrower, thinner straps (e.g., of nylon webbing).

To position collection devices 140, 170 at a suitable position below herneckline, wearer 110 can conventionally adjust the length of strap 130by sliding a clip 135 up or down along the loop of end portion 134. Theposition of clip 135 determines the amount of doubled-up strap present,which influences overall length of strap 130. End portion 136 isamenable to the same type of adjustment, permitting further variation inthe overall length of strap 130.

A breast milk expression system according to various aspects of theinvention can use a suitable length of any substantially rigid as a barto separate two points on the material's length near which breast milkcollection devices can attach. (These “points” are merelyidentifications of geometrical positions on structure and do notnecessarily embody any separate structure themselves.) The length ofmaterial can comprise a single rigid structure or several rigidstructures connected together.

As may be better understood with reference to FIGS. 2-4, bar 120 ofexemplary system 100 includes a central rod 210 and a pair of sleeveportions 220, 230 (FIG. 2) that fit snugly onto rod 210. Sleeve portions220, 230 have hollow interiors that are each dimensioned and shaped toreceive a portion of rod 210 from one of its ends to a point at or nearits center. For example, sleeve portion 220 is essentially a cylinder ofthin-walled metal (stainless steel is preferred, as discussed below)with an opening 224 (FIG. 4) having an inside diameter only slightlylarger (e.g., by 0.9 mm) than the outside diameter of rod 210, which ispreferably also stainless steel and can be hollow.

In this exemplary configuration, friction between the exterior surfaceof rod 210 and the interior surface of sleeve portion 220 maintains therelative position between the two structures under normal conditions ofuse but permits wearer 110 to adjust their position by gently pushingthem together or pulling them apart. To help ensure stability, the endof each sleeve 220, 230 preferably overlaps its respective end of rod210 by at least about half an inch.

In a somewhat less versatile variation of bar 120, rod 210 is rigidlymounted within one of sleeve portions 220, 230, leaving lengthadjustment to the sliding interconnection between rod 210 and the othersleeve portion.

A few examples of substantially rigid materials that a bar such as bar120 can employ include ABS plastic, wood, stainless steel, and anodizedaluminum. Rigidity can come from the inherent stiffness of the material,its structural configuration (e.g., a hollow-core tube), or acombination of both. Stainless steel has several advantages that make ita preferred choice as a material, including visual appeal, strength, andcorrosion resistance that makes it suitable for washing. The entirelength of substantially rigid material in a bar need not comprise asingle type of such material. For example, rod 210 can be fabricatedfrom solid ABS plastic while sleeve portions 220, 230 can be fabricatedfrom stainless steel.

As discussed above, strap 130 and bar 120 adjust in length using slidingclip 135 of FIG. 1 (and a counterpart clip for strap portion 136, notshown in FIG. 1) and the slidable connection of rod 210 and sleeveportions 220, 230. However, a bar and strap according to various aspectsof the invention can employ any suitable structural arrangement topermit length adjustment. A few examples are listed as follows.

ADJUSTMENT EXAMPLE 1—the bar consists of two thin, flat sections of hardrubber. One section contains a number of receiving holes lined up acrossmuch of the section's length. The other section contains a number ofraised bumps, one for each receiving hole, that are similarly lined upacross that section's length. The two sections releasably connecttogether by engagement of some or all the bumps into or throughrespective receiving holes, with the length of the resulting bardependent on how many of the bumps are engaged, similar to lengthadjustment of a baseball cap's back strap. The bumps can be slightlyprotruding portions of a continuous segment of hard rubber making up thebar. In one possible variation, the “bumps” can be individual structuresconnected to the main bar material by compression springs.

ADJUSTMENT EXAMPLE 2—the strap is made up of two sections of string,preferably flat like an apron string or including a padded wrapper alongat least a portion of its length to ease contact with the wearer's neck.The string sections are simply tied together in a bow, with the amountof leftover string in and beyond the bow knot determining the straplength.

ADJUSTMENT EXAMPLE 3—the bar is comprised of two thin, flat strips ofsteel. Each strip has a “keeper” band fixedly mounted at one end. Thekeeper band is a band of rigid material, e.g., steel, with four straightsides and a rectangular cross-section. The length of the cross-sectionis substantially the same as the width of the bar, and one of the band'ssides adhesively secures to the end of the strip to which it isattached. The other strip can then pass through the remaining partwithin the band's cross-section, which is made small enough to providesome friction between the bar and the band. As a result, the two stripscan slide back and forth with respect to each other when force isapplied to them, but they remain stable at a given position otherwise.

ADJUSTMENT EXAMPLE 4—the bar is a single piece of substantially rigidmaterial, e.g., neoprene, that has multiple slots symmetrically disposedabout its center. Each slot is oriented perpendicular to the bar'slengthwise axis. Each of a pair of breast milk collection devicesreleasably secures to the bar by a clip or tab that fits through one ofthe slots. As mentioned above, a bar according to various aspects of theinvention is comprised of a length of substantially rigid materialseparating two points on the material. In this example, those points arelocated at the two selected slots. Thus, the length of substantiallyrigid material separating the two points is less than the total lengthof material in the bar. Here, the “length of material” is adjusted byselecting different points of separation at which the collection devicesare attached (which define the length in question), not by changing thelength of the bar itself.

A breast milk collection device according to various aspects of theinvention includes any structure suitable for coupling to a lactatinghuman breast to express and collect milk. For example, device 140 ofFIGS. 1-2 includes a suction cup 142 (e.g., of semi-transparent rigidneoprene) that is dimensioned and shaped to receive a portion of abreast of wearer 110, and that includes a central opening 143 (FIG. 2).Device 140 further includes: a receiving tube 144 in fluid communicationwith the interior of suction cup 142 through central opening 143; a milkbottle 148; and a Venturi channel 146.

Air is directed from an external pumping device (not shown) to Venturichannel 146 and back again to the pumping device via a hose 147, whichcontains forward and reverse air (also not shown) inside hose 147.Venturi channel 146 is shaped internally to develop suction in receivingtube 144 as a result of that air flow, in accordance with the Venturieffect.

Device 140 may be of any suitable type. Examples include the devicedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,051 to Larsson (the detaileddescription portion of which is incorporated herein by reference), thedevices marketed by Medela, Inc. of McHenry, Ill. with the “Pump inStyle” dual breast pump kit, and the devices marketed by AmedaBreastfeeding Products (Hollister Inc.) of Libertyville, Ill.

Breast milk collection device 140 connects to bar 120 via a breast milkcollection device connector 150. Similarly, collection device 170connects to bar 120 via a like connector 180. Exemplary connectors 150and 180 are releasable retaining structures. A releasable retainingstructure according to various aspects of the invention includes anyconfiguration of mechanical elements that, when desired, can fasten to abar and retain a portion of a breast milk collection device to the barand, when desired, can release itself and the collection device from thebar. Retaining structure of connector 150 may be better understood withreference to FIGS. 3-5.

FIG. 3 illustrates connector 150 mounted to sleeve portion 220 of bar120 in an open (i.e., released) configuration. That configuration ismaintained by pressure from a person's thumb 350, as discussed below.Structure 150 includes a hook comprised of a length of slender,substantially rigid material (i.e., any type of material that may beused in bar 120), preferably stainless steel. The material curves in anarc that is approximately or exactly semicircular, terminating instraight portions 152, 154 (FIG. 3) that extend beyond the semicircularportion of the arc. Straight portion 152 is longer than straight portion154, an asymmetry that permits portion 152 to extend completely througha top hole 222 and a bottom hole 410 (FIG. 4) in sleeve portion 220while portion 154 extends only partially inside sleeve portion 220,through a single bottom hole 420.

Portion 152 extends above sleeve portion 220 a short distance to itsend. A cap 158 receives the end of portion 152 in a recess (depicted inthe cutaway view of cap 158) in its bottom side. Preferably, the recessof cap 158 includes conventional barbs about its circumference to securethe end of portion 152 in place.

A compression spring 156 fits over the short length of end portion 152between hole 222 and a preferably stainless steel washer 153 (FIGS. 3-4)adjacent to the bottom side of cap 158, exerting upward force on endportion 154 through the rigid hook of structure 150. This upward forcekeeps end portion 154 seated in sleeve portion 220, where it restrainsconnector 150 from swiveling about end portion 152. When the user wishesto open structure 150, pressure from thumb 350 can move cap 158downward, compressing spring 156 and releasing opposite end portion 154from sleeve portion 220. Then end portion 152 becomes free to rotatewithin hole 222 and its counterpart hole 410, and those holes form apivot axis for rotation of structure 150.

FIG. 3 illustrates structure 150 partially rotated away from a closed(i.e., non-released) position. FIG. 4 illustrates structure 150 in afully open position, with end portion 154 free of hole 420 and the planeof the hook of structure 150 perpendicular to the lengthwise axis ofsleeve portion 220. FIG. 5 illustrates structure 150 in a fully closedposition with its end portion 154 secured in a hollow interior of sleeveportion 220.

When in the open position depicted in FIG. 4, connector 150 can seatreceiving tube 144 of breast milk collection device 140 in the arc ofits hook. As illustrated in FIG. 3, sleeve portion 220 does not obstructthe open part of the hook of structure 150 when it is in its openposition. Receiving tube 144 can snugly fit into the arc of the hook,where connector 150 can then secure it in place by pivoting back to aclosed position (FIGS. 1-2). When thumb 350 releases downward pressureon cap 158, spring 156 pushes cap 158 upward, in turn allowing endportion 154 to fit into hole 420, securing both structure 150 andreceiving tube 144 to bar 120.

The fit between the hook of structure 150 and receiving tube 144 shouldbe tight enough to keep collection device 140 in a substantially stableorientation, thus facilitating suction at the breast of wearer 110. Thefit should be kept loose enough to permit device 140 to oscillate inposition somewhat with respect to the breast of wearer 110, an actionthat device 140 preferably performs to enhance expression of milk. Whensuch oscillation is desired, another advantage of the preferredconstruction of rod 120 (FIG. 4) becomes apparent. The ability of sleeveportions 220, 230 to rotate independently about rod 210 permits devices140, 170 to undergo independent oscillatory movements about thelengthwise axis of rod 120.

Respective points of a strap and bar can connect in any suitablefashion. As may be better understood with reference to FIGS. 5-6, forexample, points at ends of exemplary strap 130 connect to respectivepoints of bar 120 with loops 610, 620 of strap material around bar 120.Compression clips secure the end of each loop. As illustrated in FIG. 5,for example, clip 520 secures one end of strap 130 (hidden inside clip520) to strap material (also hidden) at the beginning of loop 610.Compression clip 520 and its counterpart (not shown), which secures loop620 (FIG. 6), can be conventionally fabricated from a length ofsemi-rigid plastic with a U-shaped cross section and ends that touchunless forcibly spread apart.

Sleeve portions 210, 220 of exemplary rod 120 include end caps (e.g., ofrubber) that fit inside the hollow of each sleeve, at the ends notreceiving rod 210. As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, end cap 340fits in one end of sleeve portion 220, while opposite end 224 canreceive rod 210. FIG. 4 illustrates another configuration, using endcaps 430, 440 that have maximum diameters considerably greater than theoutside diameters of sleeve portions 220, 230. As a result, end caps430, 440 can advantageously prevent end loops of a strap (e.g., strap130 of FIGS. 5-6) from falling off the ends of bar 120.

Dimensions of a breast milk expression system according to variousaspects of the invention can be selected to accommodate expected bodyshapes and sizes of a population of interest as well as the particularstructure employed in such a system. TABLE I below lists exemplarydimensions of system 100 (FIG. 1). These dimensions are not exact orcritical, and any precise figures listed in TABLE I are set forth thatway to communicate a particular fractional value without the use offractions. TABLE I Element Dimension Type Dimension BAR 120 Length range9-16 in. Sleeve portions 220, 230 Length 4.5 in. Sleeve portions 220,230 Inside diameter 0.4375 in. Rod 210 Length 4.5 in. Rod 210 Outsidediameter 0.375 in. Sleeve portions & rod 210 Wall thickness 0.0345 in.Holes 222, 410, 420 Diameter 5 mm End caps 430, 440 Maximum diameter0.75 in. STRAP 130 Length range 18-46 in. Padded strap 132 Length 16 in.Padded strap 132 Strap width 1.5 in. End portions 134, 136 Length(unlooped) 14 in. End portions 134, 136 Strap width 0.35 in. CONNECTORS150, 180 — — Hook Arc diameter 510 1.1875 in. Hook Rod outside diameter0.1875 in. Washer 153 Size “No. 8” Portion 152, hole 222 to Length range0.175-0.35 in. washer 153 Spring 156 Diameter 0.28125 in. Spring 156Wire thickness 0.035 in. Spring 156 Extended length 0.375 in.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 with reference to exemplary system 100, anursing mother can conveniently use a hands-free breast milk expressionsystem according to various aspects of the invention to express milkfrom both her breasts while keeping her hands free. She can wear thestrap around her neck with or without clothing on her torso, and withoutneeding to wear any special bra or other article of clothing. She caneasily adjust the system to fit her body, e.g., by first adjusting bar120 to position breast milk collection devices 140, 170 at theseparation of her breasts, then suspending bar 120 from strap 130 aroundher neck to position devices 140, 170 at the proper distance below herneckline. She can then activate breast milk expression, permittingdevices 140, 170 to independently oscillate in motion and thusfacilitate expression, while reading a book or engaging in some otheractivity during the process.

PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING THE SCOPE OF THE INVENTION AND CLAIMS

The inventor considers various elements of the aspects and methodsrecited in the claims filed with the application as advantageous,perhaps even critical to certain implementations of the invention.However, the inventor regards no particular element as being“essential,” except as set forth expressly in any particular claim.

While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodimentsand generally associated methods, the inventor contemplates thatalterations and permutations of the preferred embodiments and methodswill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of thespecification and a study of the drawings.

Additional structure can be included, or additional processes performed,while still practicing various aspects of the invention claimed withoutreference to such structure or processes. For example, breast milkcollection devices according to various aspects of the invention caninclude integrated miniature pumps and thus avoid relying on air hosesconnecting to an external pump. As a further example, a bar and strapaccording to various aspects of the invention can include scales ofreference markings to which a wearer can refer when adjusting the barand strap, e.g. as directed by an interactive Web site that calculatesinitial bar and strap lengths given a particular bra size. In addition,various structural components, e.g., a bar and strap, can includeaesthetically appealing surface coloring or indicia, e.g., nurseryornamentation.

Accordingly, neither the above description of preferred exemplaryembodiments nor the abstract defines or constrains the invention.Rather, the issued claims variously define the invention. Each variationof the invention is limited only by the recited limitations of itsrespective claim, and equivalents thereof, without limitation by otherterms not present in the claim.

In addition, aspects of the invention are particularly pointed out inthe claims using terminology that the inventor regards as having itsbroadest reasonable interpretation; the more specific interpretations of35 U.S.C. § 112(6) are only intended in those instances where the terms“means” or “steps” are actually recited. As one example, the term“substantially rigid” is employed in reference to material that canretain its shape enough to serve its structure's intended purpose whensubjected to deforming forces encountered during normal conditions ofuse. The term does not require that material experience no substantialdeformation for it to be considered “substantially rigid.”

The words “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended asopen-ended terminology, with the same meaning as if the phrase “atleast” were appended after each instance thereof. A clause using theterm “whereby” merely states the result of the limitations in any claimin which it may appear and does not set forth an additional limitationtherein. Both in the claims and in the description above, theconjunction “or” between alternative elements means “and/or,” and thusdoes not imply that the elements are mutually exclusive unless contextor a specific statement indicates otherwise.

1. Apparatus for breast milk collection comprising: (a) a substantiallyrigid bar; (b) a flexible strap significantly longer than the bar andextending from a point at or near one end of the bar to a point at ornear another end of the bar; and (c) a pair of breast milk collectiondevices supported by the bar and located at or near opposite ends of thebar.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bar comprises a rod and apair of sleeve portions fitted snugly but adjustably onto the rod. 3.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bar is made of metal.
 4. Apparatuscomprising: (a) a substantially rigid bar having a length that isadjustable over a predetermined adjustment range; (b) a flexible strapsignificantly longer than the bar at the longest point of the adjustmentrange and extending from a point at or near one end of the bar to apoint at or near another end of the bar; (c) a pair of cups, eachdimensioned and shaped to receive at least a portion of one of awearer's breasts; and (d) a tube extending from, and having a fluidpassageway connected to the interior of, each of the cups; (e) whereinthe tubes are supported by the bar, one at or near each of the oppositeends of the bar.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a pairof milk bottles, one of which is connected to each of the tubes.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 4 wherein the tubes supported by the bar aresuspended beneath the bar.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the tubessupported by the bar are supported with a pair of releasable retainersfastened to the bar and releasably supporting the tubes in proximity tothe bar.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein: (a) each one of the pairof releasable retaining structures comprises a J-shaped hook and acompression spring; (b) the longer end of the hook passes through thebar and the spring; and (c) the shorter end of the hook can move in andout of a hole in the bar.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the barcomprises a rod and a pair of sleeve portions fitted snugly butadjustably onto the rod.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the straphas a length that is adjustable over a predetermined adjustment range.11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the adjustment ranges for the barand strap are predetermined to accommodate a significant majority ofnursing mother's bodies in a population of interest.
 12. Apparatuscomprising: (a) a substantially rigid bar; (b) a flexible strapsignificantly longer than the bar and extending from a point at or nearone end of the bar to a point at or near another end of the bar; (c) apair of cups each dimensioned and shaped to receive at least a portionof one of a wearer's breasts; (d) a tube extending from, and having apassageway in fluid communication with the interior of, each of thecups; and (e) a pair of releasable retainers, one at or near each end ofthe bar, wherein each retainer is connected to the bar at two points onopposite sides of one of the tubes.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12further comprising a pair of milk bottles, each connected to arespective one of the tubes.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein thebar has a length that is adjustable over a predetermined adjustmentrange of between about nine inches and about sixteen inches.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 wherein the bar comprises a rod and a pair ofsleeve portions fitted snugly but adjustably onto the rod.
 16. A methodcomprising: (a) attaching opposite ends of a flexible strap at or nearopposite ends of a substantially rigid bar that is significantly shorterthan the strap; (b) supporting a pair of breast milk collection deviceswith the bar at or near opposite ends of the bar; (c) suspending thestrap and bar from a nursing mother's neck, thereby suspending thebreast milk collection devices near the nursing mother's breasts toexpress milk therefrom; and (d) expressing milk from the nursing motherinto the breast milk collection devices.
 17. The method of claim 16further comprising releasably securing each one of the breast milkcollection devices to the bar.
 18. The method of claim 17 whereinreleasably securing comprises: (a) providing a pair of releasableretaining structures that each include a J-shaped hook and a compressionspring; (b) passing the longer end of the hook through the bar and thespring; (c) when an open position of one of the retaining structures isdesired, moving the shorter end of the hook of the structure out of ahole in the bar and swiveling the hook about its shorter end; and (d)when a closed position of one of the retaining structures is desired,moving the shorter end of the hook of the structure into the recess. 19.The method of claim 18 wherein supporting a pair of breast milkcollection devices comprises supporting: (a) a cup dimensioned andshaped to receive a portion of a human breast around the nipple thereofand including a central opening; and (b) a tube having a central openingin fluid communication with the interior of the cup.